The Michigan Snowsports Industries Association (MSIA) is producing only 400 White Gold Cards, which allows you to ski or ride once at each of 28 participating ski areas across the state this winter. Purchasers also are entitled to a free ski or snowboard tune-up - edge sharpen and wax - at participating MSIA retailers. The cost of the card is $189.

"The White Gold Card is an exceptional value," says Steve Kershner, MSIA chairman and Snowsports Director at [R355R, Shanty Creek]. "If you paid for a lift ticket at each of these ski areas and brought your skis in for a tune-up, you would easily spend over $900."

The purchaser takes the card to the ski area's lift ticket window where a corresponding square on the card is punched and you get a ticket. You're allowed to ski one time throughout the 2009-10 season at each participating area midweek or weekend. The only blackout time is through the Christmas/New Year's holiday period. The first person to complete skiing or riding all 28 areas is eligible to win a free card good for the following season. The punched out card must be accompanied by used lift tickets from all 28 areas and returned to MSIA.

The card includes all the major resorts scattered across the state's upper and lower peninsulas. [R72R, Boyne Highlands], [R73R, Boyne Mountain], [R301R, Nubs Nob], Shanty Creek, [R123R, Crystal Mountain], [R94R, Caberfae Peaks], [R464R, The Homestead], [R187R, Indianhead Mountain], and [R230R, Marquette Mountain] are among the many choices found on the White Gold Card, which went on sale last week. TThe cards normally sell out.